The opening race of the weekend for the Toyota 86 Racing Series was abandoned after a major crash on the first lap brought out the red flag.

As the field streamed out of Griffins Bend, Ben Grice appeared to be unloaded in the middle of the pack and slammed into the right-hand concrete wall.

With the field close together, it had a concertina effect and a number of drivers were unable to avoid the incident.

Championship contender Luke King,Trent Grubel, Declan Fraser and George Gutierrez among others all suffered significant damage, with race control immediately throwing a red flag.

The field stopped on the main straight, before officials decided to call the race.

Grice was reported by the television broadcast to be talking with medical crews who attended the scene.

The driver was taken to the circuit medical centre for a preliminary check up.

A Supercars spokesman has told Speedcafe.com that Grice will be transferred to Orange Hospital by ambulance for precautionary checks, but it is understood his injuries are not serious.

Jake Klein, who out-dragged pole-sitter Tim Brook up Mountain Straight on Lap 1 to take the lead was out front when the crash occurred. with Brook second.

David Sieders, Luke van Herwaarde and New Zealander Michael Scott were the top five at the time.

Race 2 for the Toyota 86 Racing Series is set to begin at 1110 AEST.